Chart objects

You can export a chart object for processing outside of the QMF environment. A chart cannot be saved as a QMF object in the database or retrieved from the database. You cannot import charts into QMF.

When QMF exports a chart object, it converts the data from the report to a Graphics Data Format (GDF). GDF, a GDDM format, is an existing standard for data interchange. You can print the exported chart data using GDDM utilities, or include it in documents--script files, for example. Refer to a GDDM application programming guide for details about the GDF format.

You can use an exported chart object just as you would any GDF formatted file or data set. For example:

• Using the Document Composition Facility (DCF), an application can combine a QMF report (using a printed or exported report) with a QMF chart (using an exported chart) and send the formatted information to a printer.
• Using a graphics editor such as the GGXA graphics editor, an application can make further modifications and refinements to an exported QMF chart.